FAIRIVEW, Ala. — Fairview High School’s Kailyn Redding is starting her junior year and, in this interview, she discussed her relationship with God, starting with one of her favorite Bible verses.
“He means so much to me. I need Him every single day. He has changed my life in so many ways. I’m starting to notice myself opening my Bible more at night, and when stuff happens between me and another person, I pray about it and not hold anything against them, because that’s not something God would do,” Redding said. “My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: ‘You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you’. It means so much to me, because no matter what, if you follow Him, all things are possible.”
Kailyn wants to help everyone find God and be a role model for younger kids. She wants to use her platform in sports to help more kids get closer to God.
“It’s so important. No matter who they are, if they follow Him, their world will change. So many people don’t know Him, and they struggle so much, but if you follow the Lord, He will get you through anything, because He already knows the outcome. He’s putting you through the struggles so you can come out a stronger person. You just have to trust in His plan, and more people need to find Him,” Redding said. “I love being that role model for them. I want Jesus to shine through me, no matter what I’m doing, whether it’s living everyday life, like sports or whatever I’m doing. I want Jesus to shine through me, and people of all ages see it and look up to me. It will encourage them to want to find Him.”
Kailyn talked about one of her favorite Godly role models and shared some advice with anyone that might be struggling to have a relationship with God.
“My Godly role model is my aunt. Jesus shines right through her,” Redding said. “Start out by going to church. That’s always a great start. The more and more you go, the more you will better understand God, and you also need to worship Him. You will start to realize all the good He does for you that you were blinded to. You also need to get a Bible. I got a starter’s Bible to help me better understand everything.”
She has several Godly rituals that she does throughout the day and has already gained a lot during her walk with God so far.
“Wake up and pray for a safe day and for Him to be with me through everything, then I read my Bible before bed. I pray again before I go to sleep. Always pray. Even if it doesn’t feel like the right time, pray anyway,” she said. “My sister went through a very hard time, then she got baptized and started fresh with God. Soon after, I went through the same rough patch, and I’m starting to follow Him. I’ve learned that He’s always with me, no matter if I sin. Everyone sins, and if you give your life to Him, He forgives you for it all.”
